Teen arrested after Tallahassee shooting injured 12, including six children

Police in Tallahassee, Florida, have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a Saturday shooting near Florida A&M University’s Bragg Memorial Stadium that injured 12 people, including six children. The shooting happened at about 20:00 local time, shortly after a university football game, according to police.

What police say happened

Authorities said the shooting took place close to the stadium in Tallahassee after an altercation between people who knew each other. Police said 11 people were hit by gunfire, while one other person injured an ankle while running away.

According to police, none of the people injured appear to have been the intended targets. Investigators also said more arrests were possible.

The arrest and charges

Police identified the suspect as Anthony Rivers III, 15. He faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a delinquent.

The arrest came after the Saturday evening violence, which unfolded in an area crowded with people from the football game, making the scene difficult for emergency responders.

• Location: Tallahassee, Florida
• Time: About 20:00 local time on Saturday
• People injured: 12
• Gunshot victims: 11
• Other injury: 1 ankle injury from fleeing
• Children injured: 6
• Suspect: Anthony Rivers III, 15

Hospital updates and police response

By Sunday, six of the victims were still in hospital, including one person in critical condition. Five others had been released, police said.

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the violence turned what should have been a celebratory weekend into a frightening night for victims and their families. He also said officers had to carry some victims in their arms to get them to emergency responders because of the crowds gathered for the game.

Why this matters

The case highlights the risks that can arise when gun violence breaks out in a crowded public place, especially when children are among the injured. For families in the area, the shooting also left police with questions about who was involved and whether more arrests will follow.

Police said they are still working to identify everyone responsible and to get answers for the families affected by the shooting.

Source: Madeline Halpert